United lose to Churchill

Calcutta: Churchill Brothers had a cakewalk against Prayag United SC winning 2-1 in an I-League match at the Salt Lake Stadium, here on Wednesday.

Israil Gurung (26th) and Bikramjit Singh (71st) scored for the Goa side before their inspirational Brazilian midfielder Beto was sent off, following his second booking of the match in the 85th minute.

United SC reduced the margin in the 89th minute through Bello Rasaq.

The scoreline might suggest that the match was evenly fought. In reality, Churchill toyed with United SC.

Dutchman Eelco Schattorie’s men did not have any plan. What hurt United SC most was Subrata Paul’s poor goalkeeping. Churchill’s first goal was a result of his poor judgement.

The United SC defenders, particularly Gouramangi Singh, were left clueless time and again. On numerous occasions, the defenders’ lack of alertness came to the fore as they were dispossessed easily.

Under these circumstances, the only man who could have bailed out his team was striker Ranty Martins. But Ranty, with little support from the midfielders, was had a quiet day in office. The movements of the midfielders were restricted as Churchill players did not give them any space.

When the United SC players tried to play long balls for Ranty, Bilal and other defenders marked the Nigerian brilliantly.